Researchers propose that this salt deposit could be harbouring hardy microbes. A 'smiley face '-shaped salt deposit on Mars has sparked intrigue among scientists, who believe it may conceal clues to the Red Planet's most enduring secret: the remnants of its last surviving life forms. Billions of years ago, Mars was teeming with vast lakes and rivers that vanished during a catastrophic global freeze.
Now, researchers propose that this salt deposit, shaped like an emoticon, could be harbouring hardy microbes. The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, a Martian satellite on a quest to uncover signs of life on the Red Planet, has captured stunning images of the chloride salt deposits on Mars' arid surface. By studying these salt deposits, scientists can uncover clues about the planet's past climate, geology, and potential habitability.
''Why so serious? Once a world of rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans, Mars now reveals its secrets through chloride salt deposits found by our ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. These deposits, remnants of ancient water bodies, could indicate habitable zones from billions of years ago. The discovery of nearly a thousand potential sites offers new insights into Mars' climate and potential for past life.
Explore the Martian landscape in this carousel,'' the post by ESA was captioned. See the post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) ''A cold era began when Mars lost its magnetic fi.